Mikel Obi Explains Why He Left Chelsea in 2017

Former Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel has revealed why he left Chelsea FC in 2017.

Mikel joined Chelsea in 2006 after a transfer battle involving Manchester United FC. During his 11 years at the club, he won several major trophies and made 372 appearances.

The former Nigerian midfielder left Chelsea in January 2017 after reaching a mutual agreement with the club.

Speaking on the Vibe with Five podcast, Mikel said former Chelsea manager Antonio Conte played a major role in his exit.

According to Mikel, things changed after Conte arrived at Chelsea in 2016. The club had also signed N’Golo Kanté from Leicester City, increasing competition in midfield.

Mikel and fellow Nigerian player Victor Moses were later invited to represent Nigeria at the 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil. However, the tournament clashed with Chelsea’s pre-season preparations.

Mikel said Conte warned him that he would not play for Chelsea again if he decided to go for the Olympics.

“Conte told me that if I went to the Olympics, my time at Chelsea would be over,” Mikel said.

Despite the warning, Mikel chose to represent Nigeria at the Olympics, where he captained the team to a bronze medal.

After returning from the tournament, Mikel said he was moved to train with the reserve team and spent months training alone.

He added that Conte later asked him to return to the first team when Chelsea’s performances dropped, but he had already decided to leave the club.

Mikel also revealed that former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba advised him to move on and start a new chapter in his career.

After leaving Chelsea, Mikel played for clubs including Middlesbrough FC, Trabzonspor and Stoke City FC before retiring from football in 2022.